Where Parents Talk: Evidence-based Expert Advice on Raising Kids Today

Lianne Castelino
  • 4.5 (8)
  • PARENTING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The Where Parents Talk podcast empowers parents to navigate the challenges of raising kids, teens, and young adults today with science-backed insights, evidence, and the lived experiences of parenting thought leaders. Every Saturday, host, award-winning journalist and mom, Lianne Castelino, distills parenting hot topics with her guests, including: managing hormonal changes, fostering healthy communication, and promoting emotional, mental, and physical health and well-being of kids. Get proven tips and expert advice on addressing device usage and managing social media to the latest evidence on bullying, consent, and relationships, to help instil discipline, encourage independence, and build resilience in children. Discover trusted advice, delivered with empathy and optimism, to support your parenting journey and help your family thrive.

  1. Rethinking Leadership: Parenting Skills for Tomorrow's World

    5D AGO

    Rethinking Leadership: Parenting Skills for Tomorrow's World

    The tumultuous waters of parenting in today's world often requires a nuanced understanding of emotional and mental health, especially as our children face unique challenges such as bullying, social media pressures, and the complexities of consent and relationships. In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks to Micheline Green, an integral master coach, educator, executive coach, author and mom to explore why traditional, control-based parenting is failing today’s families—and what to do instead. Blending neuroscience, leadership principles, and real-life parenting insights, Micheline reveals how parents can shift from reacting in moments of stress to responding with calm, clarity, and connection. Key takeaways include: Understanding hormonal changes and their impact on emotional health is crucial for parents navigating their children's development.Effective communication between parents and children fosters independence and helps combat bullying in a social media-driven world.Establishing discipline through guidance rather than control nurtures emotional health and leads to healthier relationships.The importance of consent in relationships is a pivotal topic for today's youth, and parents should facilitate these discussions.Regular practice in self-regulation equips parents to model emotional steadiness, providing a safe environment for children amidst chaos.Conscious parenting transforms the home environment into a space of growth, highlighting the significance of emotional connection over mere behaviour management. This podcast is for parents, guardians, teachers and caregivers to learn proven strategies and trusted tips on raising kids, teens and young adults based on science, evidenced and lived experience. You’ll learn the latest on topics like managing bullying, consent, fostering healthy relationships, and the interconnectedness of mental, emotional and physical health. Links referenced in this episode: • whereparentstalk.com

    34 min
  2. Raising Critical Thinkers in the Age of AI: Tips and Strategies for Parents

    MAR 28

    Raising Critical Thinkers in the Age of AI: Tips and Strategies for Parents

    In today’s fast-moving digital world, parents face an urgent challenge: how to raise children who can think critically, question information, and navigate the growing influence of AI and social media. In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks with John Krotec—educator, entrepreneur, U.S. Army veteran, and founder of Neo Masculinity Solutions—about why teaching kids how to think is more important than ever. Drawing from personal experience, leadership training, and his work developing AI-integrated learning tools, Krotec shares actionable insights for parents, including: Why today’s information overload makes critical thinking a must-have life skillHow to help kids distinguish fact from misinformation, disinformation, and AI-generated contentThe role of curiosity, courage, and questioning in raising independent thinkersPractical ways parents can guide children to use AI as a tool—not a shortcutEarly warning signs your child may be passively consuming informationThree simple habits parents can adopt to raise resilient, thoughtful kids This conversation offers into why parenting in the digital age isn’t just about protection—it’s about preparation. Links referenced in this episode: neomasculinity.solutions Companies mentioned in this episode: Neo Masculinity Solutions This podcast is for parents, guardians, teachers and caregivers to learn proven strategies and trusted tips on raising kids, teens and young adults based on science, evidenced and lived experience. You’ll learn the latest on topics like managing bullying, consent, fostering healthy relationships, and the interconnectedness of mental, emotional and physical health. Links referenced in this episode: whereparentstalk.com

    35 min
  3. How Parents Can Build and Maintain Healthy Relationships with Their Kids

    MAR 21

    How Parents Can Build and Maintain Healthy Relationships with Their Kids

    Strong relationships are the foundation of a healthy family—but parenting stress, busy schedules, and miscommunication can take a toll on even the strongest couples. In this episode of Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks with therapist Dr. Dan Sneider about how parents can build stronger, more connected relationships while raising children. Learn practical, research-backed strategies for improving communication, setting healthy boundaries, managing conflict, and staying emotionally connected—even during the most demanding parenting years. This episode is a must-listen for parents of tweens, teens, and young children who want to create a more secure, supportive home environment. Key topics include: How parenting impacts couple relationshipsThe importance of boundaries and emotional safety for kidsCommunication mistakes parents commonly makeThe “5:1 ratio” for healthier relationshipsSimple tools like “rose, bud, thorn” for family connectionHow to prevent arguments from escalating This podcast is for parents, guardians, teachers and caregivers to learn proven strategies and trusted tips on raising kids, teens and young adults based on science, evidenced and lived experience. You’ll learn the latest on topics like managing bullying, consent, fostering healthy relationships, and the interconnectedness of mental, emotional and physical health. Links referenced in this episode: • whereparentstalk.com

    36 min
  4. The Developing Brain: A Pediatrician’s Guide to Understanding Child Behaviour

    MAR 14

    The Developing Brain: A Pediatrician’s Guide to Understanding Child Behaviour

    Why do children misbehave—and what is their behaviour really trying to tell us? In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks with paediatrician, author, and mother Dr. Kristen Cook about the science behind children’s behaviour and what today’s overwhelmed parents need to know. Drawing on more than 15 years of clinical experience, Dr. Cook explains how understanding brain development—from toddlers to teens—can transform the way parents respond to tantrums, lying, emotional outbursts, and risk-taking behaviour. Parents will learn why the brain doesn’t fully develop until the mid-20s, how emotional intelligence is reshaping modern parenting, and why misbehaviour is often a signal of an overwhelmed brain—not defiance. This episode explores practical strategies for raising resilient, emotionally healthy kids while reducing parenting guilt and stress. In this episode, parents will learn: Why children’s brains aren’t wired for adult logicThe difference between discipline vs punishment in effective parentingHow brain science explains teen risk-taking behaviourWhy parenting each child’s temperament matters—especially with siblingsThe importance of emotional regulation and modeling calm behaviorPractical tools like the “Duck on a Pond” technique to manage parenting stress This podcast is for parents, guardians, teachers and caregivers to learn proven strategies and trusted tips on raising kids, teens and young adults based on science, evidenced and lived experience. You’ll learn the latest on topics like managing bullying, consent, fostering healthy relationships, and the interconnectedness of mental, emotional and physical health. Links referenced in this episode: whereparentstalk.com

    30 min
  5. Raising Independent Kids in an Overprotective World

    MAR 7

    Raising Independent Kids in an Overprotective World

    Why are so many young adults struggling with independence today—and what can parents do differently? In this episode of the Where Parents Talk Podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks with licensed school psychologist, author and father David Krasky, whose book Raising Future Adults explores how parents can prepare children and teens for real-world success. Drawing on two decades of experience working with families and students, Krasky explains how modern parenting trends—including overprotection, helicopter parenting, and the pressures of technology—may unintentionally limit a child’s ability to build independence and essential life skills. The discussion explore practical strategies for helping kids develop executive functioning skills, resilience, and social confidence—while balancing the parental instinct to protect with the long-term goal of raising capable adults. In this conversation, you’ll learn: • Why independence among teens and young adults is declining • The long-term risks of overprotective or “helicopter” parenting • The critical role of executive functioning skills in real-world success • Why social skills may be one of the most important predictors of future success • How “lighthouse parenting” can help parents guide children without controlling them • Practical ways parents can encourage self-advocacy and independence • Strategies for supporting neurodiverse children while fostering autonomy This podcast is for parents, guardians, teachers and caregivers to learn proven strategies and trusted tips on raising kids, teens and young adults based on science, evidenced and lived experience. You’ll learn the latest on topics like managing bullying, consent, fostering healthy relationships, and the interconnectedness of mental, emotional and physical health. Links referenced in this episode: whereparentstalk.com

    30 min
  6. Raising Body Confident Kids: Dr. Charlotte Markey on Body Image, Diet Culture & Social Media

    FEB 28

    Raising Body Confident Kids: Dr. Charlotte Markey on Body Image, Diet Culture & Social Media

    On this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast host Lianne Castelino sits down with leading body image researcher Dr. Charlotte Markey, professor at Rutgers University and author of The Body Image Book for Girls, for a conversation about raising confident kids in a social media-saturated world. With nearly 30 years of research on body image, eating behaviours, puberty, and mental health, Dr. Markey unpacks the unprecedented pressures facing today’s tweens and teens — especially girls aged 9 to 15 — as they navigate hormonal changes alongside relentless digital comparison. From influencer culture and device use to bullying and shifting weight-loss trends, she explains how cultural ideals can distort self-perception and contribute to dieting, disordered eating, and low self-worth. This evidence-based discussion equips parents with tools to: Recognize early warning signs of body dissatisfaction and disordered eatingNavigate puberty conversations beyond just physical changesBuild media literacy and resilience in the age of social mediaFoster open communication about consent, relationships, and emotional healthCreate a body-positive home environment without overemphasizing appearanceUnderstand when professional support may be needed Dr. Markey also explores the lasting effects of the pandemic, the rise in eating disorder rates, and how parents’ own attitudes toward food and appearance shape their children’s beliefs. If you’re raising a tween, teen, or young adult and want science-backed strategies to help them develop body confidence, independence, and emotional resilience in a world that often prioritizes image over well-being, this episode is essential listening. Links referenced in this episode: whereparentstalk.com Companies mentioned in this episode: Rutgers University This podcast is for parents, guardians, teachers and caregivers to learn proven strategies and trusted tips on raising kids, teens and young adults based on science, evidenced and lived experience. You’ll learn the latest on topics like managing bullying, consent, fostering healthy relationships, and the interconnectedness of mental, emotional and physical health.

    32 min
  7. The Recipe for Independence: Teaching Kids Life Skills Through Cooking

    FEB 21

    The Recipe for Independence: Teaching Kids Life Skills Through Cooking

    On this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino sits down with picky eating expert, educator, and founder of Raising Healthy Families, Katie Kimball. Kimball explains why teaching teens to cook is about far more than food. It’s about: Reducing teen anxiety through competence and ownershipBuilding executive functioning and life skillsStrengthening family connectionPreparing kids for independent adulthoodAvoiding the “avalanche effect” at age 18Creating a healthy family culture around food With teen anxiety and depression rates rising, parents are searching for practical ways to empower their children. Kimball shares research-backed insights on how cooking builds confidence that spills into academics, social life, and emotional well-being. The conversation shares approaches on how to raise a confident, capable adult who can budget, meal plan, feed themselves, and build meaningful community. This podcast is for parents, guardians, teachers and caregivers to learn proven strategies and trusted tips on raising kids, teens and young adults based on science, evidenced and lived experience. You’ll learn the latest on topics like managing bullying, consent, fostering healthy relationships, and the interconnectedness of mental, emotional and physical health. Links referenced in this episode: whereparentstalk.comraisinghealthyfamilies.com Companies mentioned in this episode: Raising Healthy FamiliesKids Cook Real Food

    34 min
  8. Cyber Smart Parenting: Protecting Kids in a Digital World

    FEB 14

    Cyber Smart Parenting: Protecting Kids in a Digital World

    How do you raise safe, confident kids in a world of gaming chats, AI tools, social media, and constant connectivity? In this episode of the Where Parents Talk podcast, host Lianne Castelino speaks to cybersecurity professionals Chad Rychlewski and Kae David, who share expert, practical advice from their book Cyber Smart Parenting. As both industry insiders, they translate enterprise-level cybersecurity strategies into realistic steps families can use at home. You’ll hear: Why digital safety conversations should begin in kindergartenThe risks of oversharing photos in the age of AIHow gaming voice chats expose children to strangersWhy locking your child’s credit protects against identity theftHow to talk to teens about their digital footprint without shameThe importance of family digital contractsWhy being present matters more than being technical Instead of fear, this conversation focuses on empowerment. The safest kids aren’t the most restricted — they’re the ones who feel safe coming to their parents before a crisis happens. This podcast is for parents, guardians, teachers and caregivers to learn proven strategies and trusted tips on raising kids, teens and young adults based on science, evidenced and lived experience. You’ll learn the latest on topics like managing bullying, consent, fostering healthy relationships, and the interconnectedness of mental, emotional and physical health. Links referenced in this episode: whereparentstalk.com

    30 min
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4.5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

The Where Parents Talk podcast empowers parents to navigate the challenges of raising kids, teens, and young adults today with science-backed insights, evidence, and the lived experiences of parenting thought leaders. Every Saturday, host, award-winning journalist and mom, Lianne Castelino, distills parenting hot topics with her guests, including: managing hormonal changes, fostering healthy communication, and promoting emotional, mental, and physical health and well-being of kids. Get proven tips and expert advice on addressing device usage and managing social media to the latest evidence on bullying, consent, and relationships, to help instil discipline, encourage independence, and build resilience in children. Discover trusted advice, delivered with empathy and optimism, to support your parenting journey and help your family thrive.

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